Bacteria Project
You will design a project that will test a process or product that is supposed to kill bacteria or slow down its growth. You may choose an antiseptic (germ-killing substance that can be used on body surfaces), a disinfectant (somewhat stronger germ-killing substance intended to kill germs in the environment to prevent their spread), or an antibiotic (a product of fungi or bacteria that kills bacteria by interfering with its life-supporting processes). You may work in groups of two to four people.
Requirements:
1) Design and carry out an experiment using your chosen process or product.
Prepare a lab report that shows your results in a quantitative fashion. You
must decide which product is the most effective and support your decision
with experimental results. See rubric for specific details.
2) Create a commercial (video or skit) or a graphic advertisement (poster
designed like a billboard or magazine page) that attempts to convince the
class to buy your product in a creative way. In the ad, you must show the
results of your experiment in a quantitative fashion. Again, see the rubric for
specific details.
Notes: You may divide up the work in whatever way you wish as long as every
person in your group is involved in completing the project.
Project is worth 100 Points – Rubric Score is doubled
Project ideas:
1. Test antibacterial soap to see if it does a better job killing germs on you
hands than non-antibacterial soap.
2. Test gel hand cleaners vs. other methods of cleaning your hands. Are they
really worth the money?
3. Test which mouthwash is most effective in killing bacteria from your mouth.
4. Test to see which antibiotic works best to kill bacteria on or in the body. (I
have antibiotic discs to use for this.)
5. Test to see if strong spices like garlic, hot peppers, or curry have germ-killing
properties.
6. Test to see whether deodorants or antiperspirants do a better job of killing
germs that cause BO on your skin.
7. Test to see which acne preventing product does the best job of killing
bacteria on the skin.
8. Do germs get through tissue and toilet paper? (Is it really important to wash
your hands?)
9. Which toilet bowl cleaner (or other disinfectant product) works the best?
10. How many times (or how many minutes) must you wash your hands to get
them clean?
11. What is the best way to kill germs before giving a shot ---alcohol, hydrogen
peroxide, or Betadine?
12. Which method of cleaning teeth really works the best? (or, Do plaque
removing toothpastes kill more germs than other types?)
13. Do some first-aid crèmes work better than others to kill germs on the skin?
14. Do antiseptic Band-aids kill more germs than regular Band-aids?
15. An idea that you come up with (must be approved by the teacher).
Project Timeline (2009)
April 3rd: Project Introduction with examples
April 14th: Project Proposals due
April 20th & 21st: Project Work Time (+ Protist assignment)
*have necessary materials (products) ready*
-First part of lab report (Question, Hypothesis, Procedure, & set
up Data Table)
-Set up experiment (check results in a few days)
-Decide how to present (give teacher list of AV needs)
April 30th & May 1st: Project Work Time (+ Unit Review Guide)
- Finish lab report (Data Table, Graph, Discussion)
- Finish/Create advertisement
- Practice presentation (if necessary)
May 6th: Project Presentations!